A Qualitative Comparative Study of Ethnic Commercial Corridors: An Evaluation for the City of Hamtramck, Michigan

Abstract

As recent reports have shown, immigrants and refugees positively contribute to local economies and help revitalize cities. As immigrants continue to be the primary source of population growth in Wayne County, it is imperative to consider strategies for both community and economic development of these unique communities. Small business growth provides a multi-pronged approach that delivers ethnic-specific services while also growing immigrant business ownership, local employment, and wealth creation opportunities. While Hamtramck continues to improve city services and activate its 2010 Master Plan, it has also begun to consider comprehensive corridor strategies. Diverse, successful corridors can offer a safe route to school, a vibrant and unique commercial setting, multi-family housing options, recreational assets, and even an environmental tool through the inclusion of stormwater and habitat nodes. Conant Street on Hamtramck’s east side offers an exploratory case on how the city can revitalize existing commercial corridors to be more dynamic, responsive and productive spaces for the communities it serves. This area, identified by the city as “Banglatown,” between Carpenter and Holbrook street, is emerging as a potential commercial destination serving residents from a variety of Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Yemen.

Through comparative case study analysis, the research team evaluated successful corridors, defined as a commercial enclave of established and growing immigrant-owned businesses that represents and serves a local ethnic community, as well as appeals to and engages the surrounding region. It is surprising that no nationally-organized network or governmental entity exists to identify appropriate tools and resources, case studies or mentoring opportunities for emerging ethnic commercial corridors. This research study, therefore, addresses a critical gap in both practitioner resources and academic literature. The strategies outlined provide an initial survey to better understand best practices of these communities that can foster their development.